51¹ÙÍø Research Network

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The 51¹ÙÍø Research Network (DRN) provides an off-campus summer research experience of approximately eight weeks for 51¹ÙÍø students who plan to pursue a career in the health sciences.

Each DRN experience is conducted under the mentorship of a research scientist leading their field of inquiry. Many of the mentors are 51¹ÙÍø graduates who have assumed leadership roles in health science research and education across the US. 

Sola Omonije

The 51¹ÙÍø Research Network summer program was a key experience in my path toward a career in medicine. I worked in Dr. Sallie Permar’s lab at Weill Cornell Medicine, studying neonatal viral pathogens. Over 10 weeks, I gained confidence as a researcher and developed a greater understanding of laboratory techniques. By the end of the summer, I knew I wanted more; it became clear to me that this was a field I was truly passionate about. The following year, I applied for a full-time research technician position to return to Dr. Permar’s lab and dive further into my scientific interests. I was also honored to receive a post-baccalaureate scholarship from the American Society of Clinical Investigation to support my goal of becoming a physician-scientist. My experience with the DRN was phenomenal, and I highly encourage students interested in research to take advantage of this opportunity.

Olasola Ominjie '24

DRN sites are available across the country and may include disciplines such as: Oncology, Infectious Disease, Immunology, Neonatology, Dermatology, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, HIV Immunity and Prevention, Substance Abuse, and Healthcare Policy.

Sites may include the following:

  • MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • The Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies in Primary Care in Washington DC
  • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Duke University
  • Vanderbilt University
  • The University of Colorado
  • The University of Kentucky
  • Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School
  • Cornell Weill Medical Center

The program is available to 51¹ÙÍø students who are rising and current sophomores and juniors.  Previous research experience is preferred. A $6,000 stipend is provided to cover expenses for travel and room and board. 

International students on F-1 visas interested in DRN experiences must also talk with International Student Engagement (ISE) about CPT authorization before engaging in off-campus research.

As part of the application process, students will be asked to select at least 3 and no more than 5 sites that they would be interested in from the list below.

Deadline:  Thursday, October 30, 2025 by 11:59 p.m.

Review Committee: Student Study and Research 

Contact: Peter Szanton, Assistant Dean for Research Development & Director, Office of Sponsored Programs